Crystal Palace v Everton – BBC Sport

Crystal Palace v Everton – BBC Sport

Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic has scored half of Palace’s 14 home league goals this season

MOTD COMMENTATOR’S NOTES

@Mark_Scott_: Both sides will have a spring in their step after cracking wins last weekend.

Palace had another enjoyable away day, but their form at Selhurst Park contradicts the regular comments about it being a tough place to go.

With safety now mathematically confirmed, wins from their remaining fixtures would also ensure the Eagles’ best ever Premier League points total.

Everton’s mauling of Manchester United continued their excellent recent run at Goodison Park. However, they previously followed up an impressive home victory over Arsenal with a flat performance at already-relegated Fulham.

Finishing seventh would probably represent a satisfactory season for the Toffees and, with Watford facing Wolves, a win will ensure they overtake at least one of those teams in the battle for that position.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson on whether player motivation will be an issue now they are safe from relegation: “I don’t think it will, because of who they are. They are a serious group and a group that is used to needing to fight.

“I don’t see characters who might show complacency in terms of knocking off what we have been doing. The games will prove me right or wrong, but I don’t fear it.”

Everton manager Marco Silva: “I can see really good quality in Palace’s team, top players in their attack line who can decide the game in one moment.

“Selhurst Park is a tough place to play and, in my opinion, a good place to play.

“It is up to us to do our best and if we reach our best level we can win the match. We have three more matches and must keep fighting and proving our quality.”

LAWRO’S PREDICTION

I think this will be an open game, which will suit Palace, but if Everton play with the sort of tempo they showed against United, they will make life difficult for them.